Sportsman Spotlight: Randy and Jesse Coburn’s Chevy Hauler

Jesse Coburn 5

In our world, there’s nothing quite like a father and son, or father and daughter project. To be able to build a cool vehicle with your dad – or your son or daughter, can make it the ultimate project. To plan, idealize, implement, and work next to those you love is probably the most fun you can have in our world.

For Randy Coburn and his son Jesse, this Chevrolet truck is the father-son project that keeps the bond strong between father and son. “The truck started out as a beat-up pile I got for $400,” Jesse says. He and the senior Coburn restored it while Jesse was in high school, and Jesse even drove the truck to his senior prom. During that first go-round, the truck had a mildly-built small-block 350 under the hood.

That is a Patterson Racing 401-inch small block with a pair of Precision turbochargers on each side. Behind the 401 is a Turbo 400 transmission with a Reid case and a Gear Vendors overdrive unit. Yes, Jesse and Randy plan on the truck seeing plenty of street duty.

That is a Patterson Racing 401-inch small-block with a pair of Precision turbochargers on each side. Behind the 401 is a Turbo 400 transmission with a Reid case and a Gear Vendors overdrive unit. Yes, Jesse and Randy plan on the truck seeing plenty of street duty.

After a few years, the guys decided it was time for another rebuild. Their imaginations are turning this mild combination into a wild child with the help of a Patterson Racing-built 401 cubic-inch powerhouse. Jesse tells us the engine features a Dart Little M block, a Callies crankshaft, Carillo H-beam connecting rods, Diamond pistons, a pair of AFR 245cc heads, a Wilson Manifolds-ported Edelbrock Super Victor intake, and a Wilson throttle body.

The Moser 9-inch housing  boasts gun-drilled 40-spline axles, a bolt-through center section, and 3.50 gears. Nightrain's front suspension is from Scott's Hot Rods, while the rear suspension is made up of Calvert Racing split mono-leafs and CalTrac bars. Menscer shocks from Leaf Spring Unlimited Racing reside both front and rear.

The Moser 9-inch housing boasts gun-drilled 40-spline axles, a bolt-through center section, and 3.50 gears. Nightrain’s front suspension is from Scott’s Hot Rods, while the rear suspension benefits from Larson Race Car’s best work, Calvert Racing CalTrac bars. Menscer shocks from Leaf Spring Unlimited Racing reside both front and rear.

On its own, the engine would be enough to get the job done for most people. However, Randy and Jesse aren’t “most people.” To give the Chevy truck the power of a locomotive, the boys outfitted the small-block with a pair of Precision 7675 turbochargers. To get the most out of the combination, a Fuel Tech FT500 will be the engine management system of choice.

The hauler recently spent quality time at Larson Race Cars. “The list of what Larson did to the truck is long,” Jesse says. That list includes the chassis work and rollcage, and the installation of the truck’s engine and transmission, radiator, transmission cooler, hood, tailgate, rear wing, parachute, bed cover, and front bumper. Larson also installed the truck’s Wilwood brakes, mounted the master cylinder, and made a new brake and gas pedal in the process.

The tubing for the PT-3000 water-to-air intercooler comes through the truck's interior. If Jesse has his wish, the Weld Alumastars and Mickey Thompson ET Street Radial Pros will see pavement while competing in Hot Rod magazine's Drag Week, or the Rocky Mountain Race Week.

The tubing for the PT-3000 water-to-air intercooler comes through the truck’s interior. If Jesse has his wish, the Weld Alumastars and Mickey Thompson ET Street Radial Pros will see pavement time while competing in Hot Rod magazine’s Drag Week, or the Rocky Mountain Race Week.

In true Larson Race Cars fashion, Jesse tells us the short-bed Chevy will see plenty of street action. The guys initially started building the truck to compete in X275 class racing, but the twin turbochargers ended that thought. However, Hot Rod Drag Week and Rocky Mountain Race Week are on Jesse’s wish list. We can’t wait to see this truck make a few passes at the track, and then drive home.

About the author

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson brings his years of experience in the Mustang aftermarket and performance industry to StangTV. He has been passionate about cars since childhood, with a special affinity for the Mustang.
Read My Articles

Hardcore Chevys in your Inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Chevy Hardcore, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

We'll send you the most interesting Chevy Hardcore articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


streetmusclemag
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
dragzine
Drag Racing
enginelabs
Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • streetmusclemag Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • enginelabs Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading